Sgnaling device.



B. A. BAER.

SIGNALING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 6. I915. RENEWED MAY 2.1917.

1,256,09@. Patented Feb. 12, 1918.

' phore or signal arm to increase their eifcc- BERTHOLD A. BAEB, 0F PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

SIGNALING DEVICE.

Specification of Ietters Patent.

Application .filed April 6,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BERTHOLD A. BAER, a citizen of the United States, residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have invented certain Improvements inSignaling Devices, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to signaling devices, more particularly designed for use with moving vehicles; and while the main object of my invention has been to provide an improved electricall operated structure for use with automoblles and other vehicles as means for signaling tralfic in the rear, it is capable of use at any point on the automo: bile, or independently thereof, at any place having an available source of electrical energy.

. y improved structure comprises a device having a vibratory movable semaphore or signal arm, with which structure may be combined a suitable signal light more particularly available for night use and, if desired, a bell. The important object of my invention is to provide mechanical means in combination with electrical means that will cooperate with the mechanical means after the electrical means are energized by the closing of a circuit, to effect vibrations of the signal arm; which vibrations will continue as long as the circuit is closed. The light employed with the signal arm, and the bell (when used), are intermittently operated in consonance with the vibrations of the semativeness, as long as the circuit is closed.

These and other features of my invention are more fully described hereinafter, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1, is an elevation of the operative face of my improved signaling device;

Fig. 2, is a side elevation of the same Fig. 3, is a vertical section on the line III-III, Fig. 4;

Fig. 4, is a sectional elevation on theline IVIV, Fig. 3;

Figs. 5 and 6, are sectional views illustrating details of an improved rotary switch structure which I employ and circuit closing contacts for make and break engagement therewith; Fig. 7, is .a'sectional view of a push button circuit closing device which I may emlPateiuted Feb. I2, 1918.

1915, Serial No. 19,501. Renewed May 2, 1917. Serial No. 166,053.

ploy with my improved structure with telltale lamp, and

Fig. 8, 1s a diagrammatic view of the wircircult.

n the drawings, 1 represents a suitable inclosing structure for the mechanism of my improved signaling device, hav' g an arm 2 whereby it may be supported on a bracket 3 in a suitable position with res ect to a vehicle, such as an automobile, or ot er point of employment.

The inclosing structure 1 comprises a central chamber 4 having walls 5 and 6, and to this inclosing structure outer walls 7 and 8 are secured; the wall 7 being spaced away from the wall 5 of the central chamber so as to providean independent chamber 4. for the reception of a movable semaphore or signal arm 9, and the inclosing structure is notched or slotted at the side as at 10 for movement of the said signal arm in and out of the chamber of said inclosing structure.

'The wall 8 carries the arm 2.

The several parts of the casing or inclos ing structure are preferably secured together by retaining means of the character illustrated in Fig. 3, in which a series of sectional stems or bolts 11 are disposed in the central chamber, and are held to the wall 5 by socket studs 12 which in turn are held to the wall 7 by screw studs 13. The opposite ends of the stems or bolts 11' are threaded and pass through the walls 6 and 8; a spacing nut 14 being interposed between such walls, and a securing nut 15 being disposed on the outside of said wall 8.

The front wall of the casing is preferably provided with a light projector or lens 16,

and within the casing behind the same is an arm 9, which is preferably provided with a warning notice, so that when said shaft or spindle is rocked in its bearings by means hereinafter described, the semaphore or signal arm will be displayed outside the casing 1 and vibrated in consonance with the rocking movements of the shaft 22 carrying the same.

Mounted on said shaft or Spindle 22 and operatively connected therewith is a rotary switch member 23 with a discontinuous contact surface 24; a section of insulating material 25 being mounted in such surface for a purpose to be described.

A suitable supporting block of insulating material 26 mounted within the central chamber of the casing carries a pair of contact elements 27 for operative engagement with the contact surface of the rotary switch member 23, and these contact elements are preferably yieldingly supported by springs 28. The operative connection of the shaft or spindle 22 with the switch member 23 is provided by mounting a lug or projection 30 on said crank arm 21 which is secured to the shaft or spindle 22 by a set screw or pin 21, said lug or projection being disposed for engagement with the walls of a recess 31 in the hub 32 of the rotary switch member 23 which is loose on said shaft 22, whereby said rotary switch member may be actuated;

This recess is of such a size as to provide for a small amount of lost motion between the walls of they same and said lug, and this lost motion connection between the shaft or spindle 22 and the hub 32 of the rotating switch member 23, controls or regulates the vibratory movement of the semaphore or signal arm. This shaft 22 is suitably journaled in the walls of the casing, and these walls are so arranged that the operative mechanism.

disposed within the central chamber will be. entirely inclosed against the ingress of dust, dirt and moisture. In order to prevent ingress of moisture while the signaling device is inoperative, the semaphore or signal arm may carry a guard or shield 35 which overlies the slot 10 when such arm is down and in the inactive position.

I may also employ an audible signal such as a bell 36, in connection with the lam 17 and the solenoid operating the same an the semaphore or signal arm 9, and these several signaling elements are energized by current from a suitable source, such as a battery 40, illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 8; the

' circuit being closed by a suitable switch, such as 41; switches 42 and 43 being also employed to cut the bell and lamp into and out of the circuit, as may be desired.

To prevent accidental movement of the semaphore arm when down, due to vibration of the vehicle or other causes, its edge may be provided with a small projection 45 adapted to be retained by a locking member 46 pivotally mounted at 47 in the lower portion of the casing.

T he through opening of the solenoid 18 in the present instance receives two cores, one, that indicated at '19, being connected to and operating the semaphore or signal arm and the rotary switch member, while another core 50, somewhat shorter, is disposed in the lower part of the solenoid and is freely movable therein. When the solenoid is denergized the core 50 drops by gravity against one end of the locking member 46 and holds the opposite end of the same in engagement with the projection 45 of the semaphore or signal arm. When the solenoid is energized, how ever. the two cores move toward each other performing the function of a double solenoid; the upper core operating the semaphore arm and rotary switch by turning the shaft or spindle 22, while the lower core; being a free agent, is lifted and raises out of locking position, by magnetic attraction, the catch for the semaphore or signal arm; such core being, for the purpose of releasing said locking catch, a magnet. The extent of movement of this core magnet 50 with respect to the solenoid may be regulated by suitable means. Its position with respect to the end of said plunger 19 will increase the "pulling power of said solenoid with a consequent steady vibration of the semaphore arm.

For the purpose of closing the circuit and efiecting vibration of the semaphore or signal arm with attendant flashing of the lamp, I provide a push button switch 41 which may be carried by the steering wheel at a point of convenient engagement by the finger or thumb, and with this switch I provide a telltale lamp 51 so that the operator will know if the slgnal is acting properly. This structure is clearly shown in the sectional view, Fig. 7, and comprises a suitable mounting 52 or the steering wheel, carrying a shell 53 having suitable terminals for the 5 wires and a socket 54 for the lamp; being preferably provided with a resistance wire 55 to cut down the flow of current to the lamp so that it will simply glow in action, while a suitable coiled spring 56 is "provided 110 to support the push button 57 in normal inactive position and to return it to such a position after it has been released.

The operation of the structure is substantially as follows: The signaling device is 115 preferably -is open, and also through the hell, if the switch 43 is in the position shown in Fig. 8). The energizing of the-solenoid draws down the plunger 19 and causes the core magnet 50 to rise and release the locking member 46, 13a

and upon movement of said plunger 19 the link 20 connected thereto transmits motion to the crank 21 of the shaft or spindle 22 to rock the same and move the semaphore or signal arm 9 with the warning signal to the position shown in Fig. 1. The shaft or spindle 22 raising the semaphore by this movement has also effected rotative movement of the switch member 23 through the lug 30, and when the semaphore reaches the limit of its upward movement, this switch member has been moved to an extent suflicient to bring the section of insulating material 25 opposite one of the contact elements 27, whereupon the flow of current being broken, the semaphore will drop by its own weight, but by reason of the lost motion be-- tween the crank arm carried by the shaft or spindle 22 to which the semaphore or signal arm is fixed and the rotary switch member, the movement of the signal arm will be slightly in advance of the movement of said switch member due to the weight of said arm. When the momentary downward movement of the latter has restored the rotary switch to electrical engagement with both contact members 27 thereby completing the circuit, downward movement of the plunger 19 within the solenoid will again lift the semaphore, through the movement of said plunger, link 20, and crank 21, until the circuit is again broken, and this inter mittent action of the rotary switch member, resulting in a vibratory movement of the semaphore arm, will continue while the switch 41 is kept closed by the operator, as long as current is supplied. The lamp 17 and bell 36 are preferably in the same circuit with the semaphore arm operating means,

with the switches 42 and 43 to cut the same into and out of operation at will; the lamp being usually maintained in circuit, by keeping the switch 42 open. for flashing illumination in consonance with the semaphore arm.

The amount of. lost motion between the hub of the rotary switch and thevshaft or spindle 22 through the medium of the lug 30 carried by the hub of the crank arm may be controlled by adjusting the width of the recess or the width of the lug, or by any suitable means that will insure that the operative relation of these parts is such as to produce the desired motion to effect proper vibration of the semaphore or signal arm.

As this application possesses matter in common with an application filed by me July 6, 1914, Serial No. 849,263, it is to be treated as acontinuation of said prior application as far as the common subjectmatter is concerned.

I claim:

1. In a signaling device, the combination of a signal arm adapted to vibrate. a suitably journaled shaft carrying said signal arm, asolenoid, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid, a rotary switch member mounted on the signal arm shaft, a direct permanent mechanical connection be tween said signal arm shaft and the movable member of the solenoid whereby the shaft will be rocked by said movable member upon energizing the solenoid, an operative connection between said shaft and the rotary switch member whereby the rocking movements of said shaft will be communicated to .said rotary switch member to vibrate the latter, and circuit closing means.

2. In a signaling device, the combination of a casing, a signal arm adapted to vibrate mounted therein, a shaft carrying said signal arm and journaled in said casing whereby said signal arm may be rocked or vibrated, a solenoid, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid, a rotary switch member mounted on the signal arm shaft, a direct permanent mechanical connection between said signal arm shaft and the movable member of the solenoid whereby the shaft will be rocked by said movable member upon energizing the solenoid, an operative connection between said shaft and the rotary switch member whereby the rocking movements of said shaft will be communicated to said rotary switch member to vibrate the latter, a discontinuous contact surface carried by said rotary switch member, circuit closing means, and contacts in' engagement with said rotary switch .forming part of said circuit, said switch making and breaking the circuit by its rocking movements.

3. In a signaling device, the combination of a casing having a plurality of chambers, a signal arm mounted in one of said chambers and movable from the same to a position externally of the casing, a shaft carried by said signal arm and journaled in said casing whereby said signal armmay be rocked or vibrated, a solenoid mounted in the other chamber, a source of electrical energy incircuit with said solenoid, a rotary switch member mounted on the signal arm sha t, direct permanent mechanical means for effecting rocking movement of the signal arm shaft upon energizing the solenoid, an operative connection between said shaft and the rotary switch member whereby the rocking movements of said shaft will be communicated to said rotary switch member to vibrate the latter, a discontinuous contact surface carried by said rotary switch member, circuit closing means, and contacts in engagement with said rotary switch forming part of said circuit; the rocking movements of said switch making and breaking the circuit.

4. In a signaling device, the combination of a casing having a plurality of chambers,

a signal arm mounted in one of said arm carried by the signal arm shaft, a link bers and movable from the same to a position externallyof the casing, a shaft carried by said signal arm and journaled in said casing, a solenoid mounted in the other chamber, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid, a rotary switch member mounted on the signal arm shaft and having a discontinuous contact surface, an

forming a direct mechanical connection between said arm and the movable member of the solenoid whereby said shaft with the signal arm will be rocked upon energizing the solenoid, an operative connection between the signal arm shaft and the rotary switch member whereby the switch member will be rocked when the arm is vibrated, a pair of contacts in circuit with said source of electrical energy and in engagement with the surface of the rotary switch, the range of movement of said rotary switch being such as to bring its insulated portion into registry with one of said contacts whereby the circuit will be momentarily broken, thereby deenergizing the solenoid and permitting the signal arm to drop, a manually operated switch for closing the circuit, said circuit including the source of electrical energy, the rotary switch and the solenoid; and provision for lost motion between the signal arm shaft and the rotary switch member whereby the extent of vibrations of the signal arm may be controlled.

5. In a signaling device, the combination of a casing, a signal arm element, a shaft or spindle carried by the same and journaled 1n the walls of the casing, a solenoid, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid, a rotary switch member j ournaled on said shaft or spindle, a connection between said rotary switch member and the movable core of the solenoid whereby the switch will be rocked upon energizing the solenoid, an operative connection between the rotary switch member and the signal arm, a locking catch for holding the latter in the lower position, said rotary switch member having a discontinuous contact surface, a pair of contacts in circuit with said source of electrical energy and in engagement with the surface of said rotary switch; the insulated portion of the same. breaking the circuit at intervals and causing fluctuations in the operation of the signal arm element, an independent freely movable core magnet carried in the lower end of the solenoid in line with the solenoid core and rendered attractive to release said catch when the solenoid is energized, and circuit closing means.

6. In a signaling device, the combination of a casing having a plurality of chambers, a signal arm mounted in one of said chambers and movable to the exterior of the casing, a shaft journaled in said casing to aaeaoes which said arm is connected, a solenoid within the other chamber of the casing, a second arm carried by said shaft within-the solenoid chamber, a link forming a direct mechanical connection between said second arm and the movable member of the solenoid, a rotary switch mounted on said shaft, an operative connection between the shaft and switch whereby the latter may be driven by the former, provision being made for lost motion between this operative connection so that the movement of the shaft will be slightly in advance of the movement of the switch, said switch having a contact surface, a body of insulating material breaking the continuity of the same, contact points for engagement with said rotary switch, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid and the contact points, such circuit being broken when the rotary switch moves to an extent sufficient to bring the insulated surface into engagement with one of said contact points, and a manually operated switch for closing said circuit.

7. In a signaling device, the combination of a swinging semaphore arm, a rock shaft to which thesame is secured, a solenoid, a crank and link forming a direct mechanical connection between the movable member of said solenoid and the rock shaft whereby the semaphore arm will be raised when the solenoid is energized, a rotary switch mounted on the rock shaft carrying the semaphore arm, said shaft having a projection and the hub of the rotary switch having a slot or recess receiving said projection whereby said switch may be turned by the shaft with provision for lost motion between said parts, said switch having a contact surface separated by a section of insulating material, and brushes for engagement with said rotary switch, said switch being rocked by the shaft simultaneously .with the movement of the semaphore arm carried by said shaft; the insulated portion of the switch surface when brought into engagement with said brushes breaking the circuit momentarily at intervals whereby the semaphore arm may lower until the circuit is again completed; the making and breaking of the circuit by the rotary switch permitting rocking movement of said shaft and effecting vibration of thesemaphore arm carried thereby.

8. In a signaling device having a signal arm element, a pivotally mounted shaft carrying the same, a solenoid, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid, a rotary switch member mounted on the signal arm carrying shaft, a mechanical connection between said rotary switch and the shaft and a mechanical connection between said shaft and the movable member of the solenoid whereby the switch will be rocked upon energizing the solenoid; oscillatory movements of said signal arm being efi'e'cted rocked, and

10. In a signaling device, the combination mamas by the shaft carrying the same, in combination with circuit closing means including a pair of terminals, a push button for closing the same, and a grounded lamp adjacent said push button adapted to flash in consonance with the rocking movement'of the rotary switch making and breaking the circuit element and serve as an indicator of the proper working of the signal mechanism.

In a signaling device, the combination of a signal element, a pivotally mounted shaft noid, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid, a plurality of movable members operatively mounted in the solenoid, a rotary switch loosely mounted on the signal element shaft, a direct permanent mechanical connection between said shaft and one of the movable members of the solenoid for operating said shaft when the solenoid is energized, a direct mechanical connection between said rotary switch and the shaft whereby the switch will be rocked or rotated in one direction upon energizing the solenoid, said rotary switch having a discontinuous contact surface, a pair of contacts in circuit with said source of electrical energy and in engagement with the surface of said rotary switch; the insulated portion of the same breaking the circuit at intervals and permitting vibratory movement of the signaling element when said switch is circuit closing means.

of a signal element, a pivotally mounted shaft carrying the same, a solenoid, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid; the latter having a plurality of movable members, a rotary switch member mounted on the signal element shaft, a direct permanent mechanical connection between said shaft and one of the movable members of the solenoid whereby the shaft will be rocked upon energization of the solenoid, a mechanical connection betw n said shaft and the rotary switch member whereby the switch member will be rocked in one direction upon energizing the solenoid; said rotary switch member having a discontinuous contact surface, a pair OI contacts in circuit with said source of electrical energy and in engagement with the surface of said rotary switch member; the insulated portion of the same breaking the circuit at intervals and permitting vibratory movement of the signal element when said switch member is rocked; the weight of the signal member effecting movement of said switch member in the opposite direction, and circuit closing means.

11. In a signaling device, the combination of a signal arm element, a pivotally mounted shaft carrying the same, a solenoid having a plurality of movable members, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solecarrying said signal element,,a sole-- noid, a rotary switch member mounted on the sigma arm shaft, direct mechanical means including a crank carried by said shaft and a link pivoted thereto for connecting the shaft with one of the movable members of the solenoid whereby the shaft will be rocked upon energizing the solenoid, a mechanical connection between said rotary switch member and the signal arm shaft, circuit closing means, and provision for lost motion in the operative connection between the signal arm shaft and the rotary switch member, the rocking of the shaft with the latter effecting vibratory movement of the signal arm element in one direction and the weight of the signal arm element effecting movement in the opposite direction and moving the rotary switch member into position to complete the circuit.

12. In a signaling device, the combination of a signal arm element, a shaft or spindle to which it is connected, a solenoid having a plurality of movable members, a source of electrical energy in circuit with said solenoid a rotary switch member mounted on said shaft or spindle, a connection between said shaft and one of the movable members of the solenoid whereby the switch will be rocked upon ener izing the solenoid, an operative connection etween said rotary switch and the signal arm shaft whereby one of said parts may be moved by the other, circuit closing means, and a lock for holding the signal member in a non-vibratory posltion, said lock being released by one of the movable members of the solenoid when the latter is energized.

13. In a signaling device, the combination of a vibratile semaphore arm, a rock shaft carrying the same, a solenoid having a movable member, a crank and link forming a direct mechanical connection between the movable member of the solenoid and the rock shaft whereby the semaphore arm will be raised when the solenoid is energizedya rotary switch looselymounted on the rock shaft, shaft and the switch whereby the latter may be driven by the former, provision being made for lost motion between their cooperating parts, said switch having a contact surface separated by a section of insulating material, and brushes for engagement with said rotary switch, said switch being rocked by the shaft simultaneously with the movement of the semaphore arm carried thereby, the insulated portion of the switch surface when brought into engagement with said brushes breaking the circuit -momentaril whereby the semaphore arm may lower untll the circuit is agaln completed, the making andbreakingof the circuit by the rotary switch permitting rocking movement of said shaft and effecting vibration of the semaphore arm.

, the rotary forming 14. In a signaling device, the combination of a vibratile semaphore arm, a rock shaft carrying the same, a solenoid having a movable member, a crank connected to the rock shaft and a link connecting said crank with the movable member of the solenoid and a direct mechanical connection between the latter and the rock shaft whereby the semaphore arm will be raised when the solenoid is energized, a rotary switch loosely mounted on the rock shaft, a fixed lateral projection carried by said shaft, the hub of switch having a slot or recess receiving said projection whereby said switch may be turned by the shaft with provision for lost motion between said parts, said switch having a contact surface separated by a section of insulating material, and brushes in fixed position for engagement with said rotary switch, said switch being rocked by the shaft simultaneously with the movement of the semaphore arm carried thereby, the insulated portion of the switch surface when brought into engagement with said brushes breaking the circuit momentarily whereby the semaphore arm may lower until the circuit is again completed, the making and breaking of the circuit by the rotary switch permittlng rocking movement of said shaft and effecting vibration of the semaphore arm carried thereby.

15. A shaft, an electric circuit, a solenoid therein, having its movable member mechanically connected to said shaft to' rock it in one direction when said solenoid is energized, gravity means carried by the shaft to rock it in the reverse direction, a rotary switch vmember loosely mounted on said shaft and having a discontinuous contact surface, stationary contacts forming part of said circuit for bridging engagement by said rotary switch member, and a lost motion connection between said shaft and switch member whereby the switch member is moved by said shafttomake and break the circuit at the contacts as the shaft is rocked to predetermined limits.

16. A shaft, gravity means carried thereby and arranged to rock the shaft in one direc tion, an electric circuit, a solenoid therein, a rotary switch member loosely mounted on said shaft and having a discontinuous contact surface, an arm carried by the shaft, a link forming a direct mechanical connection between said arm and the movable member of the solenoid whereby said shaft will be rocked in the reverse direction when the solenoid is energized, an operative connection between the shaft and rotary switch member whereby the switch member will be rocked when the shaft is rocked, and a pair of stationary contacts in said circuit and in engagement with the, surface of the rotary switch member; the range of movement of said rotary switch member being such as to bring its insulated portion into registry with one of said contacts whereby the circuit will be momentarily broken and the solenoid deenergized.

17. A shaft, gravity means carried thereby and arranged to rock the shaft in one direction, an electric circuit, a solenoid therein, a rotary switch member loosely mounted on said shaft, and having a discontinuous contact surface, an arm carried by the shaft, a link forming a direct mechanical connection between said arm and the movable member .said rotary switch member being such as to bring its insulated portion into registry with one of said contacts whereby the circuit will be momentarily broken and the solenoid deenergized, and provision for lost motion in the operative connection between the rock shaft and the rotary switch member whereby the extent of movement of said shaft may be controlled.

18. A rock shaft, gravity means carried thereby to rock it in one direction, an electric circuit, a-solenoid therein, an arm carried by said shaft, a link forming a direct mechanical connection between said arm and the movable member of the solenoid, a rotary switch member loosely mounted on said shaft, an operative connection between the shaft and switch member whereby the latter may be driven by the former, provision being made in said operative connection for lost motion between the rotary switch member and the shaft so that the movement of the latter will be slightly in advance of the movementof the switch member, said switch member having a contact surface, a body of insulating material breaking the continuity of the same, and a pair of fixed contacts in said circuit and disposed in engagement with the contact surface of said switch member; said circuit being broken when the rotary switch member moves to an extent sufficient to bring its insulated surface into engagement with one of said fixed contacts.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

BERTHOLD A. BAER. Witnesses:

MURRAY 0. BUYER, WM. A. BARR. 

